How often have you considered doing something you’d like to do but realized you don’t have time for it? How often does a week pass by and you find that you do not have a minute to yourself? Not even a minute to do anything you might want to do just for yourself. It’s a typical scenario these days.
The problem is that not making time for you can lead to chronic stress, depression and overwhelm. While you may be busy, and your to-do lists are probably overwhelming, you must make yourself a priority. Think of your car, without filling up the gas tank it will only go so far before it stops. Same goes for your mind and body.
Work, kids, chores, stress, bills to pay, cooking, cleaning and everything else we have to do is a lot. But, without self-care, we will Burn Out quickly and then what happens to all those responsibilities? When you neglect your own physical, mental and emotional needs, everything in your life suffers.
Meetings, deadlines, chores and appointments are all crammed onto your calendar. But, more likely than not, there isn’t a single mention about time for yourself in there. Everyone needs personal time, including men! Time to unwind. Time to breathe. Time to have fun and experience joy. Time to explore hobbies and interests.
Remember your car, not only does it need gas to keep going, it also needs occasional regular servicing, to get the best and most optimum quality life and use out of its engine. In comparison, I know how finding time to focus on self-care may be challenging, especially when job and family life are demanding but this is something we must do, even if it is only 30 minutes here and there in order to keep our engines (minds and bodies) going with optimum quality.
5 Ways To Get Some You Time
Prioritize & Organize
Prioritize, first and foremost. Second, organize. (Follow these 6 Tips to Help You Stay Organized at Home or Work – download special gift Here). A well-organized plan will put your mind at ease and lead to a more productive week. Scheduling time ahead may be an excellent method to guarantee you don’t scrimp on that all-important self-care/YOU time. You can also see where you can squeeze it in (which can help ensure you take it). In any case, prioritize what’s vital and learn to say no or delegate, as discussed further below.
Say No (It’s All Right, We Promise)
It is quite acceptable to say no. Your time is very valuable, and it should be spent on activities that provide meaning to your life. It’s okay if you don’t want to go to that lunch with the other coworker. Especially if what you really need is some alone time. It’s also okay if a friend has requested you help them with their move or something else, if it will have a negative impact on you, you can say no. I’m not talking about saying no all the time here people, this is more about making you and your yes’s more precious and respected.
Switch It Off
Take a break from your phone and computer. How many times do you get an afternoon to yourself, only to waste it replying to emails or surfing your social media? Social media has its advantages, but it can also entice us to spend an hour looking at useless memes and videos. Limiting distractions is the first step in finding time for yourself.
Timely Departure From Work
When you need some alone time, this is one of the easiest things you can do. Many of us remain late at work. If this is the case for you, make it a point to leave work on time or if at all possible, a little early at least once a week, if not more often. Then take advantage of that time by engaging in your favorite pastime, golfing, fishing, spending time with a friend you don’t see very often or doing anything that helps you to relax.
Learn To Delegate
According to VeryWellMind, “Are there responsibilities that you have at home or at work that could be delegated to assistants, family members, or others? Some possible ways to delegate include: Allowing someone else to take over a task can bring added benefits. They may find that they’re better at it than they thought they would be (or than you thought they would be). They may also enjoy the feeling of helping out. At the very least, it could bring a sense of teamwork.”
